Photo Credit: BCCI
Auckland Aces batsman Mark Chapman has been awarded his first New Zealand Cricket central contract, effectively filling the vacancy left by Martin Guptill’s departure in November.
Chapman has played 27 games for the BLACKCAPS (22 T20Is and five ODIs) since making his debut in 2018, and has been part of the past two ICC T20 World Cup campaigns.
Born in Hong Kong, he attended Kings College secondary school before going on to play 21 internationals for his country of birth, as well as 128 games for Auckland.
A powerful and inventive left-hand batsman, Chapman offers an option with his left-arm orthodox spin bowling and is a highly rated fieldsman.
BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said it was great to see Chapman’s hard work rewarded with a contract.
“We’re delighted to have Mark join the central contract list after being there or thereabouts for a while.
“He’s a fine player and we like the versatility and innovation he brings to his batting.
“He’s a guy with a lot of talent and we see him being a big part of future BLACKCAPS squads.”
Auckland Cricket will advise of Chapman’s replacement on their domestic contract list in due course.
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
